Taxmann Customs Law & Practice with Foreign Trade Policy By V S Datey Edition May 2025

Customs Law & Practice with Foreign Trade Policy is a comprehensive treatise that consolidates and explains the entire spectrum of India’s customs law and associated procedures alongside the country’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Updated to reflect the amendments by the Finance Act 2025, this work deciphers complex legal provisions into a reader-friendly format. It seamlessly integrates statutory provisions, interpretative rules, case laws, departmental clarifications, and practical insights, making it an indispensable resource for professionals involved in import-export operations and customs matters. The book delves into every aspect of customs law—from fundamentals of customs duties, valuation, classification of goods, and warehousing procedures to specialised topics like baggage, post/courier clearances, refund procedures, adjudication, and appeals. Equally extensive is its coverage of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), focusing on import-export frameworks, special authorisations (AA/DFIA/EPCG), EOU/EHTP/STP/BTP procedures, Gem & Jewellery sector rules, export incentives like Duty Drawback/RoDTEP, SEZ/IFSC regulations, etc.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Practitioners & Professionals – Customs brokers, tax consultants, chartered accountants, and advocates specialising in tax and trade law
• Corporate & Compliance Teams – Import-export managers, logistics heads, and supply chain professionals in multinational corporations or SMEs that deal with cross-border trade
• Government & Regulatory Personnel – Officials in customs, indirect tax departments, and policy-making bodies who need a reference manual for legal and procedural nuances

The Present Publication is the 27th Edition | 2025, amended by the Finance Act 2025. This book is authored by V.S. Datey with the following noteworthy features:

• [Comprehensive Commentary] Detailed explanations, with an easy-to-understand approach to complex legal provisions under the Customs Act 1962 and related regulations
• [Latest Amendments] Incorporates all significant changes under the Finance Act 2025
• [Practical Insights] Summaries of departmental circulars, notifications, and case laws that illuminate practical implications
• [Integrated Coverage of FTP] Detailed exploration of the Foreign Trade Policy with special emphasis on new incentives, compliance requirements, and policy shifts
• [Structured & User-friendly Layout] Logical sequencing of chapters and sub-topics, supplemented by flowcharts, tables, legislative references, and cross-links for quick navigation
• [Extensive Appendices] Inclusion of the Customs Act 1962; the Customs Tariff Act 1975; valuation rules; major notifications; and other allied regulations, making it a one-stop reference
• [Tools for Professionals] Section-wise indices, detailed subject index, and glossary of acronyms to facilitate easy referencing and clarity of terminology
• [Utility for Practical Understanding] Illustrations, references to leading judgments, and clarifications ensure a firm grasp of procedures and help in compliance and litigation strategy
• [Compatibility with Latest Technology & E-Governance] Covers digital initiatives, including e-filing of documents, single-window systems, and relevant rules introduced by CBIC for simplification of customs formalities
• [Recommended by Leading Practitioners] Over its multiple editions, it has gained the trust of practitioners as a definitive guide, balancing minute detail with practical application

The coverage of the book is as follows:

Customs Law & Practice

• Customs Duties – Types of duties (Basic, IGST on imports, Social Welfare Surcharge, Anti-Dumping Duty, etc.) and nuances of levy/exemptions
• Valuation & Classification – Thorough explanation of transaction value, methods of valuation (WTO guidelines), and rules for interpreting the Customs Tariff
• Import & Export Procedures – Step-by-step guidance on filing Bills of Entry, shipping bills, documentation, customs clearances, and allied processes
• Warehousing & Special Procedures – Licensing of warehouses, storage periods, manufacturing in bonded warehouses, and goods re-import/re-export rules
• Refunds, Demands, & Adjudication – Legal framework for claiming refunds, limitations, demand notices, show cause notices, adjudication procedures, penalties, and prosecution under customs law
• Appeals & Disputes – Mechanisms for appeals within customs administration, tribunal (CESTAT) procedures, and judicial remedies up to the Supreme Court

Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

• Import-Export Policy – Understanding the general provisions for import/export of goods, restricted items, and STE (State Trading Enterprises)
• Authorisations & Schemes – Comprehensive detailing of Advance Authorisation, DFIA, EPCG, EOU/EHTP/STP/BTP, SEZs, and IFSC-specific rules
• Gem & Jewellery – Special frameworks for gold, silver, diamond, and precious stone imports/exports, including nomenclature and rate structures
• Export Incentives – Duty Drawback, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, and other remission schemes that encourage exports
• SCOMET – Regulations and licensing for the export of dual-use items and technology
• Special Zones – Legal provisions, procedures, and benefits under SEZs and International Financial Services Centres

Extensive Appendices

• Statutes & Rules – Customs Act 1962; Customs Tariff Act 1975; Customs Valuation Rules; Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 2023; etc.
• Regulations & Notifications – Key regulations (e.g., Courier Imports & Exports Regulations, Baggage Rules), notifications, and circulars
• Indices & Glossary – Section-wise and subject-wise indices, plus an acronym glossary for quick cross-referencing

The structure of the book is as follows:

• The book follows a logical chapter-by-chapter approach, beginning with the foundational elements like Introduction to Customs Duty, then progressing through Types of Customs Duties, Valuation, Classification, and Import-Export Procedures
• Mid-sections cover nuanced areas such as Adjudication, Appeals, Penalties, and Prosecution in Customs
• A seamless transition then takes the reader into a detailed overview of the Foreign Trade Policy, organised similarly in a chronological manner—ranging from General Provisions to Specific Authorisation Schemes, Export Incentives, and specialised sectors like EOU/EHTP/BTP and Gem & Jewellery
• Finally, multiple Appendices provide the full text of core legislation, major rules, and guidelines—turning the volume into a self-contained reference
• The book also includes a Section-wise Index and a Glossary (Acronyms), enabling quick location of relevant topics